A choir to help people living with dementia in the Black Country has received a cash boost thanks to a generous donation from West Bromwich Building Society.
The Shine a Light Dementia Choir is supported by Black Country Brighter Lives, the charitable arm of Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Run by staff from the Trust’s older adult’s service, the choir is a place for people with dementia and their carers to meet others, have fun and enjoy the therapeutic efforts of music and singing.
It is funded entirely by donations to the Trust charity, which works to support the health and wellbeing of patients, families and communities across the Black Country to live happier and healthier lives.
Other projects supported by Black Country Brighter Lives include funding therapeutic gardening activities to help people receiving mental health support and funding gifts for people spending Christmas in the Trust’s inpatient hospitals.
The charity could not carry out its work without the generosity donors, such as the team at West Bromwich Building Society who have kindly donated £600 to support the choir through the Mercian Community Trust.
Manisha Patel, charity engagement officer at Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, received the cheque from Bearwood branch manager Judy and shared the charity’s thanks.
Manisha said: “Black Country Brighter Lives could not carry out its vital work without the support and generosity of donors.
“We would like to extend a big thank you to West Bromwich Building Society for backing our Shine A Light choir which makes a real difference to people living with dementia and their carers. This kind donation will help us make sure more people can get involved with the choir and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of music.”
Amy Mason, ESG Strategy and Planning Analyst at the West Brom said: “As a Society, supporting the fight against dementia is very close to us with all of our branches proud to be dementia-friendly. Seeing the benefit the Shine a Light Choir has on those living with dementia is fantastic, and we are so pleased to be able to support the choir in making a difference to even more people in the region. A huge thank you to our customers who have made this possible through saving with our Community Account.”
To find out more about Black Country Brighter Lives and how you can support their work, visit: https://www.blackcountryhealthcare.nhs.uk/support-our-charity